Come for a special taste of Italy where you can dine on almond and figs, drink local wine and cook with olive oil cultivated from our own land. We can arrange everything from personal cooks to individual transportation ? just ask!!
Dream Chaser is a wonderful example of an Umbrian stone built farmhouse built over 100 years ago in the local hillside in just under two acres of mature vines and olive trees. It is situated in a completely private and peaceful hillside position with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Yet, unlike many such Italian idylls, it is only a pleasant 10 minute stroll (500 metres) from Fontignano, a small Umbrian village renowned for its association with Perugino.
Restoration started in the Autumn of 2004 and will finally be completed in the Spring of 2006. The house has been almost completely restored, and all the facilities have been chosen for their style and high quality fittings. So everything will be brand new for the summer of 2006. Particular attention has been paid to the design of the external living areas, which form the core of any perfect Italian getaway. There is an open pool and sun lounging area, a shaded eating and cooking area with original pizza oven (for the brave of heart), as well as secluded, shaded reading, painting, relaxing areas away from the pool and eating areas.
4 air conditioned bedrooms (sleeps 8 people ? two doubles and two twins), 2 shower rooms and one luxurious main bathroom. Modern kitchen with electric and gas cooking facilities, air conditioned living room and external wine cantina and utility room.
The main double bedroom has a very large balcony which is ideal for a private evening cocktail, having a private moment sharing the sunset away from the rest of the family.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need. Fridge/Freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, gas hob and electric oven. Outside there is a free standing barbeque and the original pizza oven if you are feeling courageous!
There is also a phone and computer/internet facility plus TV and videos for the children (or we can hide them all away for those not wishing to have their holiday tainted by modern technology).
A large covered loggia adjoins the house from the kitchen with table and chairs to seat the whole party in comfort. This overlooks the pool, gardens and grounds which extend to about two acres of private olive grove and vines.
The pool is 10m by 5m by 1.5m. There is a pool shower and ample sunbathing decks. The pool is unheated and normally open from May until the end of September, depending on the weather
The garden has two hundred olive trees and vines which provide most of the olive oil for the family and guests. This area makes a great space for the children to play in and provides an oasis of peace and quiet in which to read, paint or just relax. The gardens also have fig trees, almond trees and a variety of wild asparagus and herbs.
The house is situated on the edge of the village of Fontignano which is famous for its association with the Rennaissance artist Perugino. The village is only a 5-10 minute stroll down a white road where there is a bar (hosted by Franco and Francina), local village shop, post office, bank (only opens 2 hours per day), and larger supermarket. There is also a beautiful church, famous for its Perugino fresco and local village school and playground.
The location makes La Casa an ideal place from which to visit many of Umbria's and Tuscany's best known tourist destinations, such as Assisi, Siena, Florence, Arrezzo, Perugia.
Without even venturing to these famous places, you could find more than enough culture, good food and beauty in the local towns of Panicale, Citta del Pieve, Castigione del Lago and the many other medieval villages that this area is renowned for.
The lake at Trasimeno is less than twenty minutes drive and provides sailing, horse riding and a variety of small beaches for the children.
There is also a delightful open air swimming lido with flume tubes and a diving pool in the nearby town of Tavernelle which is less than ten minutes drive away. Tavernelle also provides several cafes in the town square, plus a variety of local shops, pizzerias, chemist, green grocers and banks.
Local markets
Many of the local towns have a weekly market:
eg: Tavernelle ? each Monday, Castiglione del Lago - each Friday
Distances from the villa to nearest towns
Tavernelle 10 mins
Panicale 15 mins
Citta del Pieve 30 mins Assisi 45 mins
Perugia 40 mins
Florence 1 hour plus depending on traffic!
Siena 1 hour /p>
Getting there
? Airports: Rome (Roma) Ciampino ? 2 hours, Rome (Roma) Fiumicino ? 2.5 hours, Pisa - 2.5 hours, Florence (Firenze) ? 1.5 hours
? Train Stations: Castiglione del Lago (25 minutes). Perugia (35 minutes ? depending on traffic).
There is a direct train service from Castigione del Lago to both Rome and Florence . This can help avoid the stress of driving into these two main cities.
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
